Bikepacking ALGONQUIN P.P. secret 115 km ABANDONED CN RAILWAY - Kiosk to Achray - Gate to Gate

[@larryblight6339]

Travelled that railway with 50 Boy Scouts and 20 odd canoes from Montreal. The train dumped us and our gear at Brent at 2 AM. We canoed and foraged for dry firewood and got sick in the rain for a week. The sick people drank water from the lakes without boiling or using the disinfectant pills. Train picked us up at Brent and we went back to Montreal. Epic trip. 1968.

[@Suluk46]

Awesome. Bet that was a trip to remember. Can't imagine camping in the park with a train rolling through at 2am, lol!

[@Mile-long-list]

Thanks for the great video! There's another abandoned railway line west side, rain lake access road takes you there and it's a lot older and more picturesque however where you went was lovely I hope to do this one day. Myself I would use a trailer though, keep all the weight off the bike !

[@Suluk46]

I've got my eye on that section that goes through the park to Whitney. Have you been in it? I'm wondering how overgrown it is or if there are any water crossings.

[@AdventuresWithUnkadee]

Looks like a good time! My Dad and I did a week-long canoeing trip up there about 45 years ago. Lots of mosquitos and black flies! We would paddle to the center of the lakes so that they would return to shore and leave us alone. That route could be a nice addition to the area's draw for visitors if they develop it a little more and "legitimize" its use.

[@Suluk46]

It was a great trip. I do wish it could be opened up but I doubt that will happen any time soon. I know a few people that use this route to get further into the lakes.

[@reinhartbigl367]

Hey there, thanks for posting this video (as well as your other awesome videos). Ever since I watched it a couple of years ago, I’ve been very interested in riding it (as part of a longer bikepacking ride). Will watch again…and may have a few questions about that route if you don’t mind answering. 😊

[@Suluk46]

For sure. Let me know if you have any questions. It's a great route.

[@reinhartbigl367]

@@Suluk46 Third time watching your video...quite the blast! Noticed that you used some of the music I used for my GDMBR video from last year...gotta love the free-to-use YT music...very cool! A couple of questions; What time of year did you do the ride? (looks like spring'ish...) How was cell coverage along that route? Considering your route as the start of a mostly off road ride from North Bay to Chaffey's Lock, Ontario... Thanks man!!

[@Suluk46]

We did the route in August. If you go too early in the season, that big water crossing might be an issue, but not sure. We also didn't bring cellphones with us so not sure about coverage, although I seriously doubt there would be any once you're deep in the park.

[@hoser7706]

This is Letterkenny gone bikepacking! ❤️🤣

[@Suluk46]

I'll take that as a compliment 😂😂😂

[@untectings]

These are the kind of friends you would have a great time with on trip like this

[@Suluk46]

We had a hilarious time on this trip. Best buddies for sure.

[@NobleEndeavours123]

Thank-you for sharing. As someone who has bicycled around all five great lakes, owns a fat bike and has spent tons of time both backpacking and canoeing in Algonquin I really want to go bike packing there now too! Thanks for the inspiration and the video!

[@Suluk46]

Thanks for that man. The goal of almost all my videos is just to get people out and explore. I make the videos for fun, so when someone takes the time to write something like this, it is warmly welcomed. This trip in particular was just incredible. And it sounds like you have done your fair share of adventures...add this one to the list. It won't disappoint!

[@decentdiversions]

Pretty sure that was a Blanding's turtle. One of the more rare turtles in Ontario. Good find! Congrats on doing something very few others have ever even attempted - and for still rocking the Element. Honda needs to bring it back.

[@Suluk46]

A few others mentioned it was a Blandings as well. I feel foolish for thinking it was a snapper especially after looking up their looks. As for the Element...best car ever!

[@brentfoster9138]

My element will be 18 this June, still my daily, 325000 all Ontario miles. It’s a challenge now to see how long I can keep it going. 🤙

[@millymay333]

This is awesome!! Recently canoed some of the Pet and the topic of conversation (often during portages along the railway) was “I wonder how long it would take to walk/bike this whole line…” as we regularly thought ditching the canoes would be easier! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Suluk46]

Yes, the railway is often walked and biked...glad you liked it

[@hoser7706]

Loved your sore knee comment! Welcome to the oldmans adventure club. Ignore all injuries and ye shall be fine! Thanks for the fun video!!

[@Suluk46]

All old men have at least one bad knee...it's a must!

[@yamguy33]

Good job guys! i was there the same summer they pulled the rails at brent .... what a shame that they were not smart enough to use this old rail bed as a rec trail would ove been a good way to see nature !

[@Suluk46]

Thanks! It really would be an incredible official route if they opened it up. Would be cool to see when they decommissioned the line too. What an experience

Thanks for sharing the experience guys I was wondering I’m going be camping at kiosk, would I have access to that trail ?

[@Suluk46]

It's been many years since I did the trip but you should be able to access it right from the parking lot of Kiosk.

[@chrisconnors7418]

As others have said, that was a Blanding’s Turtle, a species at risk. Note the yellow throat (diagnostic ID feature). Whenever we do our environmental impact surveys we monitor for Blanding’s. Snapping turtles look prehistoric. Even the babies have rough armoured shells. When I worked with the mnr long ago we’d often drive along the logging roads quite a distance to get to study sites. Colleagues had driven from the Kiosk end down to the highway 60 end (I didn’t get to do those trips). I kept the maps and gps tracks for myself. I did sneak in years later to hike some of those roads into the interior. A bit surprising how many times I had to get off the road to hide when I heard a vehicle coming. I’ve walked part of the old railway line at kiosk in the past; not something I’d want to bike. I am strongly tempted to go back and bike those roads though.The roads on the western side are about 50 km from my front door. Even better, a friend lives about a km from the west side Algonquin border on a dirt road that goes into the park. I could stay at his house overnight, and get into the park early. Great video, guys. Part of me wishes I could have been there; then a saner part laughs and says “nope”. But I may do a day loop on the old logging roads this August. You’ve reignited that old plan.

[@Suluk46]

Awesome, those Algonquin logging roads are a ton of fun! Just don't get caught :)

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Awesome video, great ride guys. That looked like a tough trail!!

[@Suluk46]

Honestly, it's tough but its beautiful. Give it a go, you won't regret it.

[@jeremytoms9698]

Algonquin is amazing. Thanks for doing it by bike. I'd like to try it.

[@Suluk46]

Glad you enjoyed it. The trip was super fun.

[@Adam-dr3gy]

Hi. Great video! I’ve been eyeing this rail line for a few years now and am going to pull the trigger and ride it this year. I’ve done a couple other rail lines in Ontario but this one is the crown for sure! Do you know if the rest of the line past Achray is rideable? Thanks again for posting the video.

[@Adam-dr3gy]

What time of year did you ride it?

[@Suluk46]

We did it in August. I'm not sure what the rest of the line looks like past Achray but I have thought about checking it out.

[@108Hawke]

Great vid! What an awesome trip to do with a couple of buddies. Looks like some great memories were made.

[@Suluk46]

Thanks man. We had a hilarious time and it's a great adventure.

[@zoeavrilsmith]

Would you say the trail is gravel bike friendly? I did the Algonquin Old Rail trail with 37 mm tires, though this rail trail's terrain looks a little more unruly.

[@Suluk46]

It is very loose rock. Wider tires would be better. The regular rail trail in the campground is packed solid. This stuff is like sand, very little coasting once you stop peddling. Me and Josh had 27.5+ tires. Jamie had regular 29's and wished he had ours. A fatbike may be too wide, so somewhere in the middle is the sweetspot.

[@terrycharbot5089]

I would like to add my thanks for posting this video. I have been scouring the internet for information on this route for a while. I have been visiting Algonquin Pk for 40 years in both canoe and backpack and would like to give this route a try. I have a couple of questions and if you have time would certainly appreciate the information. 1. Did you encounter any repercussions (legal or otherwise) from your trip? 2. It would appear (around minute 27 of your video) that you encountered some flooding. Was this fairly close to Achray and was it the only place where you had to wade? 3. Good idea to have your vehicle shuttled from Kiosk to Achray. Was this difficult to arrange? 4. In terms of equipment, was that a Lansham single-wall tent you were using and if so how do you like it? Once again, thank you for the post and I have subscribed to your channel. Terry

[@Suluk46]

Hi Terry. I haven't had any pushback from the trip, during or afterwards, but am well aware it is not exactly legal to ride the railroad. Ride at your own risk! The wading was about 90km into the trip. So well north of Achray. It was the only water crossing we had to do. I arranged the car shuttle with Algonquin Outfitters. It costs about $500. The tent I used was a Z-packs Solplex. It's awesome so check them out in the web. Let me know if you need any other information, it's a great trip.

[@terrycharbot5089]

@@Suluk46 Thanks so much for the quick response, much appreciated. For the cost of arranging the shuttle of your vehicle, is that a typo ($500.)? You probably meant $50. right? Thanks for the info on the tent, I am quite familiar with Z-Packs line of tents, packs and outerwear. They get very good reviews. I like your channel and Instagram. Good information and photos presented with humour and humility.

[@Suluk46]

@@terrycharbot5089 Thanks, just an old guy living out some adventures...and nope, not a type :) Shuttle was $500.

[@l214laus]

Wow! $500 seems steep. Your choice of course. I don’t know the lay of the land to know if you could have done a shuttle yourselves. Rail Trails as we know them in Australia are extremely popular with riders. Not always universally loved by all but basically pre COVID-19 the trails would bring quite a number of people going on long rides in the countryside.

[@alankaye4382]

@@l214laus It's a question of time and labor for the shuttle. Kiosk to Achray is a 3 hour drive one way. You're paying someone to drive you out and/or bring your vehicle to the end of your trip. So 6 hours for $50 would be a wee bit cheap. It's more than 6 hours for the shuttle driver, since they AO is based on the edge of the park 45 minutes or so from Achray.

[@craigdenouden2803]

Love the video. What resources did you use regarding the route? Would love to do some research. I'm assuming despite going stealth you had permits for camping on the specific lakes that you did?

[@Suluk46]

The old railway is shown on many maps. I used Jeff's Map for it. And you can see the route from google earth so pretty easy to follow. I booked all the campsites along the way, planned for about 40km each day. Just make sure that they campsites that you can either walk to or bushwhack to, obviously stay away from ones you would need to swim to :)

[@jacqueline7118]

Fantastic bikepacking trip! Laughed when you said about bringing the packraft back there for the white water. I was thinking it may have been useful for near the end there when you guys were slogging through all that deep water. haha! Cool adventure, thanks for sharing. :) :)

[@Suluk46]

Glad you liked it! New videos coming very soon... :)

[@jacqueline7118]

@@Suluk46 Awesome! :)

[@bertschuh1141]

Nicely done! Fat bikes maybe better option for the railbed chunder? Sadly so many great trails have these under water, drive train soaking sections with no bypass option. Wondering about water ingress to BB and wheel bearings!

[@Suluk46]

Fatter tires work better for sure on this terrain. We didn't have a choice to turn back at that point, plus we ride all winter, and in all conditions. Been holding up well so far....I guess we will see.

[@damianchung5273]

Awesome Steve!! Next time, or now in the comments, I'd like a quick run down of the bikes you were each riding.

[@Suluk46]

I cant really comment on the other guys, bu I'll ask them to respond. My rig & setup for the trip: Santa Cruz Chameleon R+, Aluminum, 27.5+ tires. Outfitted entirely in @revelatedesigns bikepacking gear. Full disclosure, I had reached out to them for sponsorship of this trip, they politely declined, so I went ahead and paid full price for everything 😊. Here is a simplified rundown of how I packed - with detailed gearlist posted later this weekend. Handlebar Bag (R.D. Pronghorn 23L): Tent/Sleeping Bag/Tarp/Sleeping Pad Seat Bag (R.D. Terrapin 14L): Clothes/Rain Gear/Personal Kit Frame Bag (R.D. Ranger 8.6L): Food/Kitchen Gear Cockpit Front (R.D. Magtank 2000 1.4L): Camera Gear Cockpit Left (R.D. Mountain Feedbag 1L): Snacks Cockpit Right (R.D. Mountain Feedbag 1L): Water Bottle Cockpit Rear (R.D. Jerrycan Bent 0.6L): Bike Repair Tools/Spare Tube/Patch Kits

[@cliffordwright1603]

Just found your channel and subscribed I remember the train going through one night when we were camped near achray we didn’t know about the train and it came through during the night. Scared the daylights out of us.

[@Suluk46]

I can imagine that would be intense to hear! Lol. Lots of cool videos coming up, and big trips once we can get back out there.

[@choobivan]

Your vids are inspirational and encourage backcountry adventure

[@Suluk46]

Thanks man. I really do just make these videos for fun and to get people out there. Stay safe!

[@1997colinmurton]

That looks like a great ski...

[@Suluk46]

Winter traverse? That sounds awesome!

[@twoolhouse7644]

Would be a cool ( Cold trip) . Saw a friend Buck Miller with Eric Batty and Ryan utube s video, they did it SW-NE direction off trails . kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrdq6WtqdiXZqc Same group as has done a couple trips lately across top of Ontario on the Ice roads in support of kids and Northern communities. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXzEp6Cljq2AnKM A real treat, , crossing Iceland unsupported mid pandemic! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKGzkpWZgrN_gJI

[@joshbezaire9708]

Very cool! You guys are hilarious!! I might have to try that trail now!

[@Suluk46]

Hope you liked it. The route is amazing.

[@imransadventures]

Wow. That’s some serious type II fun. Nice!

[@Suluk46]

The best type of fun!

[@stevepaterson9663]

This looks like a great trip, would like to have a go myself. As for the flooded part, if you were to do it again would you consider an alternate route at all that would a avoid that section? Or is it really the only reasonable route to connect the rest?

[@Suluk46]

This is an awesome trip. I might do it again one day. I haven't spent much time looking, but I am doubtful that you can get around the water crossing. It's right along the rail trail and there doesn't seem to be a bypass. Plus, it's one of the challenges that all adventurers must pass to earn the badge of honor 🤣

[@cycleporu]

Great video and awesome looking trail. I'm planning to attempt this route this year. Just wondering if you purchased camp permits? If so, how did you describe your route at the park office? Also, I'm trying to figure a cheaper way to taxi my car to the end . . . maybe I should just do an out-n-back . . .

[@Suluk46]

I purchased camp permits, same as if you were gonna canoe the route. Out and back will save you around $500. If you are a strong cyclist, you could, theoretically, do the trip in one long haul day.

[@l214laus]

You guys are good fun characters. Cheers

[@Suluk46]

Lol. Glad you liked it. I've known these guys since elementary school.

[@mikechajecki7323]

Nicely done, I'm planning on riding it this summer, maybe late spring although the trail cold be rough in April/May. Do you have a GPS file or RideWithGPS route, fit. file? I know it's a rail trail and you can't really go the wrong way but I though I ask. There isn't much information on the trail, bike wise anyway. Cheers!

[@Suluk46]

Thanks man. Glad you liked it. No GPS for us. I printed out some big map pages, you can see it mounted on the front of my bike. It's pretty straight forward, with the exception of trying to find the campsites when you leave the railway. It's a bit different then when I go hiking in that you are travelling so fast on a bike, that you have the potential to miss your turnoffs. Have fun, and don't get caught 😁

[@burnuts007]

The railway was abandoned because of the days economic realities were such that CN Rail coud no longer justify the expense of maintaining the Beachburg Subdivision. Route thru Toronto to North Bay was preferred. It didn’t have anything to do with ownership.

[@Suluk46]

Yes, you're are right, there is a bit more to the story than just when they stopped using the rail line. If you are interested in the history, read the negotiation minutes between the park and the railroad. That outlines all the issues as to why niether party wants it. Anyway, hope you like the video, it's an amazing trip.

[@brentfoster9138]

It’s kinda sad, that trail could be such an asset.

[@jb1934]

that route is a diamond in the rough. it may not be entirely legal, but from the looks of it neither party has made much of an effort to stop people from using it. like the atv riders whose tracks are evident. maybe in northeast Algonquin they just have less issues with clueless visitors getting themselves into trouble. The bear hang cables recently installed around the joe lakes being a good example of the latter.

[@outbackwack368]

What an awesome trip. You should reach out to Rails-to-Trails to see if that can be acquired and transformed. I can hear the mosquitoes from here! Thanks! Oh, what bikes were you guys riding? NOT a snapping turtle... just a box turtle... DAMN, that beaver did an excellent job flooding the path!

[@Suluk46]

Glad you liked it. We had a blast. I was riding a Santa Cruz Chameleon. The 2 other guys had Norcos but I'm not sure which ones.

[@TapioBlue]

I'm a believer, but I still enjoyed watching it, lol.

[@Suluk46]

Don't stop believin' :)

[@francisbrunet38]

I’m considering doing this ride with some friends do you know if anyone who’s done it since? We’re worried that the flooded part got worst if it’s caused by beavers. Great video!

[@Suluk46]

I'm not aware of anyone who has done it since this video, but a lot of people ask about it, so it is quite possible others have ridden the route. That water crossing is wild, but even if it is much deeper, no big deal - I couldn't stop laughing. I think the deepest it got for us was just above knee level. The trip is super fun, give it a shot!

[@OnatBas]

Awesome video! The part that I didn’t get is the trespassing bit. Is that whole area private property? How does that work?? I would love to try it out.

[@Suluk46]

It is what I call, a grey area. The railbed is not owned by the park, I have a brief explanation at the beginning of the video. The railway company still owns it, but have abandoned it.

[@calvinloney5996]

It seems like a very safe route for a winter ski touring trip due to the lack of open lake crossing. Do you see any issues with attempting this trip in the winter?

[@Suluk46]

The only challenge would be that you are breaking trail. Other than that, would be an awesome traverse.

[@ThalassTKynn]

They should fix this trail up and make it official!

[@Suluk46]

It's an awesome route, but I doubt they will do that. Kinda sad really just to leave it as is.

[@ThalassTKynn]

@@Suluk46 If North Bay can start making cycleways anything can happen haha

[@Suluk46]

You're probably right. 😂 I just know so much about the background of this route that I am doubtful...but would be happy to be wrong!

[@markmacmillan5838]

Just stumbled across your video and really enjoyed it. Looks like you guys had a blast! Any concerns with drinking the water directly along the railbed? The rail ballast is known to be somewhat contaminated.

[@Suluk46]

That didn't even cross my mind to be honest. Might not be the best for continuous long term digestion, but for a few days likely harmless.

[@daveebert7747]

Just found your channel, awesome video, I couldn’t stop laughing. I experienced a similar “water world marsh” on a 5 day trip last summer. I loved how you guys just tried to peddle through it. Well done boys.

[@Suluk46]

Honestly, I'm not sure I can recall a time I laughed harder, while being scared, at the same time. 😂😂😂

[@jamiemurray5116]

Great trip. Love the monologue at 21:00. Jokes

[@Suluk46]

Best part hahaha

[@brentfoster9138]

Subscribed!

[@Suluk46]

Awesome. If you liked this one, you will love my Meanest Link bikepacking trip. It's up on my channel aswell.

[@cassandrabrock]

Hahaha leather face! Best part!

[@Suluk46]

Lol. You are probably the only person who picked up on that joke!

[@shauntakata1762]

What was your average speed? How much did you need to walk ?

[@Suluk46]

You can bike the entire route for the most part. It's an abandoned railway so the grade is like 3%. A few places are overgrown and the water crossing is probably 500m. We did it at 40km/day. I'm sure you could do it in a very long day if that's your style. The loose gravel/rocks can drain your energy fairly quickly, but nothing to really worry about.

[@OliverFischer-m6v]

Is that route still doable today?

[@Suluk46]

I would think so. I know a few guys did it last year but it isn't maintained at all, and sees very little traffic so best to expect the worst 😁

[@MickaelJulliard]

What width tires were you guys running, do you remember?

[@Suluk46]

I had 3" tires on mine. Not sure of the other guys. But 27.5+ will work well for this trail. True fatbike probably not required.

[@andyreid5543]

Does CN still own the RoW?

[@Suluk46]

When I was researching this route they did, but had abandoned it after APP wouldn't take ownership because of the deposits. I doubt it has changed.

[@philiprayner]

what about Bears ?

[@Suluk46]

Yes, Algonquin has a healthy population of them.

[@jimchester9984]

Great job and great footage !!

[@Suluk46]

Thanks Jim! It was a wild trip!

[@philiprayner1772]

no bear incounters ?

[@Suluk46]

None. I was surprised there wasn't more wildlife considering how deep we were in the park. But the bikes move fast, so maybe we didn't notice.

[@webbytoes3443]

Just putting it out there do you drive a Range Rover?

[@Suluk46]

I drive a Honda Element...world's best car :) But flattered if you thought it was a Range Rover!

[@webbytoes3443]

Suluk46 no the reason I asked was I seen I guy on the high way that looks just like you lol

[@Suluk46]

@@webbytoes3443 Oh! Lol...I thought it was because at the end of this video, I show my Honda and say it's the world's best car.

[@webbytoes3443]

Suluk46 haven’t watched till the end yet lol... just on the way home from a 4 day trip on crown land near Algonquin

[@Suluk46]

@@webbytoes3443 Awesome. Hope you had a good time. I was up in Killarney last weekend and it was chilly.

[@johnbozak1662]

I did the whole line many times on a CN motorcar with my Dad who was a section foreman for the CN back in the 80’s . From Alice to Brent. I knew every bridge you over. Oh man that brings back memories. Abandoning that line “The Beachburg Sub” was the most stupidest move CN ever made. Now all coast to coast rail traffic has to go around by Toronto to North Bay instead of taking a real short cut through Algonquin Park via Ottawa to North Bay. Tree huggers got there way and CN caved to them. The same tree huggers that cry about carbon emissions and climate change now. Look how much more “carbon” is going into the air now over a stupid mistake like this. An early 90’s prophecy of a modern day term, “Go woke…….. go broke.

[@Suluk46]

Very cool, back when it was active. I have been looking for old railway maps to plot another route along the bottom section of Algonquin, where it goes through Whitney. Should be good fun too.

[@johnbozak1662]

That was a whole different line guys. My Dad worked on that one too. That was the Renfrew Sub that ran from Ottawa to Parry Sound. Toured that line with Dad a lot too.

[@Seek.Wild.N]

@@Suluk46 Don't waste your time it over grown with trees. Its a slow hike let alone biking it.

[@darcar34]

Have to have good friends on a slog like that. Not a snapping turtle.

[@Suluk46]

Thanks for the info. I've got to get up to speed on my turtles. It's a great trip if you get a chance to do it.

[@darcar34]

I don't know my turtles well, but snapping turtles can't pull their heads into their shells fully and are shaped more like a plate than a bowl.